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Murrawijinie Cave facts for kids

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Murrawijinie Cave
Murrawijinie cave system.View from inside one.jpg
Murrawijinie Cave
Location Nullarbor, South Australia, Australia
Entrances 3

Murrawijinie Cave is an interesting cave found in the Australian state of South Australia. It is located in a very flat, wide area called the Nullarbor Plain. The cave is within the town area of Nullarbor.

You can visit this cave! However, it's important to be careful if you drive there. The cave entrance is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Nullarbor Roadhouse. You will need to drive on a rough track to reach it.

Exploring Murrawijinie Cave

The main way to enter Murrawijinie Cave is through a "doline." A doline is like a giant sinkhole where the ground has collapsed. There are two other entrances to the cave very close by. This type of landscape, with many sinkholes and caves, is called "karst topography." It is very common on the Nullarbor Plain.

Wildlife in the Cave

If you look up inside the cave, you might see some birds! Hawks and swallows often use these caves as safe places to build their nests. It's a cool spot for them to raise their young.

Ancient Art and History

One of the cave entrances holds a special secret. On the walls, you can see hand stencils made by Indigenous Australians. These stencils were created using a natural earth pigment called ochre. They are a fascinating link to the people who lived here long ago.

Protecting the Cave

Since June 2013, Murrawijinie Cave has been part of a special protected area. This area is called the Nullarbor Wilderness Protection Area. This means the cave and its surroundings are kept safe for future generations to enjoy.

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